Hello, I am new to this board. I started to have jaw pain about 3 weeks ago. I had a root canal on my last molar back. (it took 2 and a half hours) It failed and I had to have it pulled. The very next week I had a previous dental appt.scheduled and they took out an old filling and re-did a four surface filling. ( I asked to wait to do this as I was already having jaw pain) but they said no- you really should get this done now- you don't want another root canal do you? So, I went ahead- what a dumby- always listen to your gut instincts. Anyhow, I have been having ear pain, jaw pain on both sides, muscle spasms going down the sides of my face- and teeth pain. I have been taking valium at night. Using warm heat compresses. During the day sometimes Flexeril. I have to drive my kids so sometimes I can't take the Flexeril. Also taking I buprophen, I am a clencher and have ordered a NTI device. It has been a nightmare. The tooth in front of the tooth I had pulled is acting up a little. I don't know it may be referred pain or pain due to jaw problems. The wierd thing is it didn't satrt immediately -the severe pain. It started after more dental work. Anyone with smiliar issue or cause of TMJ? Bearsky- (my dogs name)

Yes, the pain can be worse after dental work, I need to have some and am so afraid to go because I know the tmj will flare up again. It can be awful. You are doing everything I would suggest, warm heat on the face helps me, but the best is really soft food for a while, unfortunately it can go on for a few weeks. REally, the softer the better to give your jaw a rest.

Yes, the pain can be worse after dental work, I need to have some and am so afraid to go because I know the tmj will flare up again. It can be awful. You are doing everything I would suggest, warm heat on the face helps me, but the best is really soft food for a while, unfortunately it can go on for a few weeks. REally, the softer the better to give your jaw a rest.

tmrots- that is the truth. Are you a clencher? Do your back top and bottom teeth ever hurt from TMJ. Last night my top and bottom tooth on the side that the tooth was pulled on hurt. I am missing the very back top and bottom back tooth on that side. So, I only have one top molar and one bottom molar on that side. Is this from pressing on the nerves while clenching? Or can the imflamation from the TMJ cause this? I hope the NTI works. It won't be in for another two weeks. Do you think I should try the store bought brand until then? I was in some serious pain last night. Do you think I should have the bite checked out for the filling I had done last week? Could this be affecting things also? I will stick with the soft food. I don't have much of an appetite anyway. I know I am doing some serious clenching at night. My jaw used to feel tight and sore- but never like this. Thank you for responding- it is nice to talk to someone with similiar problems. I think my husband thinks I am crazy. Along with my dentist. Shell

Hi,
I am sorry you are having such trouble, when I am in a real flare-up it is awful. It's never great, but sometimes worse than others. I clench all night ling and found out that I do during the day when concentrating aI should get an NTI but I dont' have dental insurance, so it's all out of the question for now. When I start working steady again I will, but now, no way can I afford it. I have been told not to use store bought ones, but my general doctor says they are just as good. So, who knows who is right? Are dentists just trying to take advantage or is the nti the best? I still dont' know.

I eat pb&j every day for lunch, or yogurt and avoid all chewy foods. I avoid crunchy too, but that I really miss, I live the crunchy texture. At dinner, no meat that is chewy, no sandwiches, burgers, etc. I can't open by mouth that wide. The more resting you do the better.

tmrots- that is the truth. Are you a clencher? Do your back top and bottom teeth ever hurt from TMJ. Last night my top and bottom tooth on the side that the tooth was pulled on hurt. I am missing the very back top and bottom back tooth on that side. So, I only have one top molar and one bottom molar on that side. Is this from pressing on the nerves while clenching? Or can the imflamation from the TMJ cause this? I hope the NTI works. It won't be in for another two weeks. Do you think I should try the store bought brand until then? I was in some serious pain last night. Do you think I should have the bite checked out for the filling I had done last week? Could this be affecting things also? I will stick with the soft food. I don't have much of an appetite anyway. I know I am doing some serious clenching at night. My jaw used to feel tight and sore- but never like this. Thank you for responding- it is nice to talk to someone with similiar problems. I think my husband thinks I am crazy. Along with my dentist. Shell

Hi--Sorry for all the problems you are having. If I were you, before more time passes, I would go get a second opinion from another dentist that is a tmj specialist, not just a regular dentist. google ICCMO, and go to members and see which dentists in your area are tmj specialists, make sure that their practice is at least 40% tmj related. Also, ask if they are a Functional Jaw orthodontist as well. They understand the teeth, jaw relationship and should also be trained in neuromuscular tmj therapy. Ask first.. You probably had a predisposition to tmd, and the dental work done on you either worsened your condition, or it wasn't done properly. Something is throwing your bite off, and you need to get to an expert to see what teeth are causing the problems for you. Good luck, --baby your jaw for the time being.

TMrots, Hope your day is going o.k. My dentist told me my dental insurance does not cover the NTI. I had to pay out of pocket..$375. I have been in so much tooth pain- top and bottom- that last night I went and bought an over the counter dentek nightguard. I used it last night and my teeth don't hurt as bad as yesterday. But that could be a number of things. My jaw is still spasming though. My ear pain has improved a little though. On the side that hurts- if those teeth in the back touch it hurts pretty bad. The nightguard was wierd though. It came with two. It was $4o. You did not have to boil it. I woke up in the middle of the night and it was gone. I thought (what did I eat it ?) I looked all over the bed and in covers. Anyhow, I went down and got the other one and used it. I found the other one in the morning when I made the bed. Duh! Do you take any medications. I feel like a druggie since this all started. I will write again tomorrow and let you know about the mouthguard again. My NTI won't be in for a couple more weeks. When I am having tooth pain from clenching- I start worrying do I need a foot canal, etc. Now what is going on with these teeth? Let me know how you are doing. Shelley

Thanks for the info. It looks like Tufts Craniofacial Pain Center in Boston looks good. I live in NH. I e-mailed them about insurance issues. I think I have used up most of my dental insurance for the year. Which has caused alot of my pain! They said it is $400 fot just the first consult. I am not sure if they take medical or dental insurance. If it is medical I should be o.k. I am concerned I may have temporal tendonitis. (which I guess is a form Of TMD) This is all new to me. Waiting for the NTI and trying meds. Have you heard of having your mouth open for long periods of time causing TMJ? Especially if you are predisposed to joint problems? Thank you for replying. Shelley

When I go to the dentist, she tries to let my jaw rest as often as possible, leaving it open long does hurt it. She then suggests ibuprofen and warm compresses for a few days later. I saw a neurodentist last Dec, who said I had arthritis in both sides of the jaw and temporal tendonitits to name a few things. Last night my ears were hurting after popcorn, annoying, huh? it was the chewing. I am tired of watching my diet, but it doesn't pay to do otherwise.

I am glad you felt better after the mouthguard, I should try one. I just get nervous with all the writing about not to use with TMJ, but one night isn't going to be a big deal, I may give it a shot.

Dear Bearsky,
Welcome!
I am a long-time TMJ sufferer, so I think I can be of some help.
I have found dental work to cause intense TMJ pain. It's a combination of stretching the jaw, holding the jaw open for prolonged amount of time, and the work that's being done. I've found that the longer the dental procedure is, the more pain I'm in. It has gotten to the point where even cleanings are painful, again as a result of the stretching, and holding open. I agree with tmrots whose dentist gives her breaks during treatments. Tell any and all dental professionals who work on you about your TMJ issues and ask for breaks.
I also agree that you need to find a TMJ specialist. The sooner you get to someone who knows TMJ backward, forward and inside out the better.
As far as modifying your diet, it's tough at first but once you get used to it, and you see how much a soft diet helps, you'll find that it's a no-brainer. A good rule of thumb is, if you can mash it with a fork, you can eat it. Anything that can be mashed with a fork can be smushed on the roof of your mouth, by your tongue.
Hang in there. Things will get better. It sounds like you're on the right track.
Let us know what else we can do for you.
Peggy

Hi, Thanks Guys. My husband really wanted to go out to dinner last night. I have been a real bump on a log. I ordered pasta. I have been following the soft diet rule. I feel like I still have to move my jaws a little. That over the counter mouthguard- Last night I was having a dream I was chewing gum- the night before the whole appliance was on one side of my mouth when I woke up. My mouth is having a party in there while I'm sleeping! I know the NTI is supposed to stay in place. From what I have read it doesn't fix your bite but can stop some of the pain from clenching? I don't even know if my bite is off. I may go to Tufts craniofacial center (in Boston) if the NTI doesn't help. I just keep hoping that every day will be a little better. The Flexeril makes me a little cranky- which I hate because I have a great family and they don't deserve it. But I guess mouth pain makes me cranky too. It means alot to talk to you guys. Thank you so much for your responses and I will keep you posted. Shelley

Hi Shelley,
It stinks to feel really lousy, but if the flexeril keeps the pain at bay it may be worth it. Today, the whole left side of my face is hurting. I tired to lay down on that side and there is no way. The right is better, but not great either. I totally understand how you feel and hope you get relief soon. Try some warm compresses too. I use one of those microwave things that just lay in my face and ear until they are cool and it does help. at least for a while, but I wish there was something we could do during the day. Have a good weekend.

Hi guys , Well I have used the NTI for two nights. I t hasn't been too uncomfortable. It keeps me from clenching. I am getting frustrated trying to figure out how long this pain will last. My jaws still Hurts on both sides. I need to be better about my soft diet and not talk so much. My husband doesn't like the Flexeril- he thinks it makes me cranky- he said LAST NIGHT. It is hard. He got mad at me about a comment I made. The valium just makes me go to sleep- which is good. I have alot of responsibilities to my family and I feel like I am letting them down. I want to do everything I usually do and I am trying. What is this Klonopin I hear everyone talking about? Will it turn me into a witch? I am usually very easy going and a people pleaser. TMrots, How are you? Any good days? If you have a flare up how long does it usually last? I have been using the microwave things. I hope you are having a good day. Shelley